Ohio man dies in I-77 pile-up Saturday in Fancy Gap

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Virginia State Police are still investigating a fatal, multi-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning, Sept. 21, on Interstate 77 in Carroll County.

At 10:51 a.m., state police were called the scene of the crash in the northbound lanes of I-77 at the 9 mile marker on top of Fancy Gap Mountain. A total of six vehicles were involved – three tractor-trailers, two passenger vehicles and a motorcycle, officials from the Virginia State Police said. At the time of the crash, it was misting and fog had set in with roughly 25 feet of visibility.

A tractor-trailer headed north on I-77 suddenly came upon slowed-to-stopped traffic in the northbound lanes. As it braked for the traffic it was rear-ended by a second northbound tractor-trailer, according to the state police. The impact then caused the first tractor-trailer to jackknife across all northbound lanes. A third tractor-trailer struck the first tractor-trailer. Then a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle came upon the jackknifed tractor-trailer and was able to lay it down on its side before striking the jackknifed tractor-trailer. A 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser clipped the jackknifed tractor-trailer before running off into the median.

Finally, a 2008 Chevrolet Blazer struck the jackknifed tractor-trailer. The driver of the Blazer, Dan H. Grubb, 71, of The Plains, Ohio, died at the scene, according to state police. His wife, who was seated in the front seat, was transported to North Carolina Baptist Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. A female backseat passenger was transported to Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The male driver of the second tractor-trailer was also taken to Twin County Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. None of the other drivers was injured.

There were also a series of minor secondary crashes that occurred in the backup from the first crash, but no fatalities or multi-vehicle crashes.

As rain and storms are predicted to move across the state today through Sunday, all motorists are advised to remain alert for posted highway advisories. Drivers also need to heed road conditions and adapt accordingly – slow speeds when necessary, never drive distracted, use headlights, make sure windshield wipers are in good working condition, and always wear a seat belt.

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